Two grazing systems (mixed and traditional) and seven grazing intensities (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9 sheep ha-1) were analysed in a split-block designed grazing experiment with two replications. Each system included areas for grazing and for haymaking. While in the Mixed System (MS) an annual shift between grazed and hay plots occurred, the Traditional System (TS) indicates a permanent separation of haymaking and grazing areas throughout the years. Due to the annual shift between haymaking and grazed sites we assume higher recovery and productivity potentials in the MS. Analysis of variance was performed for 2005 and 2006 separately using the Mixed Model of SAS 9.1.

Intensification of grazing showed negative effects on annual herbage mass production in the short-term. Forage quality parameters were also affected by stocking rate. Crude protein (CP) content decreased with increasing stocking rates in both experimental years. Other quality parameters, like in vitro digestibility (CDOM) and fibre concentration (NDF and ADF), showed inconsistent responses between the years. System related effects on yield parameter and forage quality were only marginal after two years. Concluding, herbage mass productivity and CP content were affected in the strongest form by altering stocking rates.